Soy sauce is a by-product of doenjang (soy bean paste). According to historical records, soy sauce has been produced and used ever since the Goguryeo Period.There are various types of soy sauce, from haet soy sauce (fresh soy sauce) which is used in soups and seasoned vegetables to jin soy sauce (aged soy sauce) which is used in roasted, steamed, or hard-boiled dishes that have a dark color. Each type has a unique taste and is used for different purposes.

According to Korean history, there was once a place called 'Jang-Gwang¡' in the heart of Seoul. Soy sauces of various ages were stored in more than 500 crocks (jars) at Jang-Gwang. Records show soy sauce made in 1907 were stored at Jang-Gwang until the break of the Korean War in 1950. - Korean Restaurant Gu

Prepare sesame seed dip by toasting sesame seeds in a small pan over moderate heat, shaking frequently until golden brown. Grind or blend the seeds while still hot, adding soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar.

Spicy Dipping Sauce

A spicy dipping sauce for Korean dumplings, scallion pancakes, and tempura. A twist on the basic soy sauce and vinegar version, this adds a lot or a little spice to your meal.

Ingredients:

1/3 cup soy sauce

1/3 cup rice wine vinegar

1 Tbsp sesame oil

1 Tbsp chili pepper flakes (kochukaru)

1 Tbsp scallions, thinly sliced

1 tsp finely chopped garlic

Preparation:

Mix all ingredients together and use as a dipping sauce for dumplings, scallion pancakes, mung bean pancakes, and tempura dishes.

*Can make in large batches and store in refrigerator for a couple weeks.

**If you don't have Korean chili pepper flakes (kochukaru), you can use cayenne pepper or sriracha sauce in the mix.

This ginger dipping sauce is amazing on Korean dumplings, but I especially like the flavor it gives to pan-fried fish. It can be also used on Korean savory pancakes like the scallion, seafood, kimchi, and mung bean versions.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

1/3 cup soy sauce

1/3 cup vinegar

2 tsp finely chopped ginger

3 tsp sugar

Preparation:

Mix all ingredients together and use as a dipping sauce for dumplings or

other savory dishes. Can be made in batches and stored in the refrigerator

for a couple weeks.

CREDIT: By Naomi Imatome-Yun, About.com

Bulgogi Marinade (Korean style Beef dish sauce) RECIPE 1

3/4 cup Beef Stock

1/3 cup light soy sauce

2 1/2 tablespoons sesame oil

1 1/2 tablespoon rice wine

1 1/2 tablespoon soft brown sugar

1 tablespoon very finely chopped garlic

Bulgogi Marinade (Korean style Beef dish sauce) RECIPE 2

This is the basic marinade recipe for Korean barbecued meats. This marinade makes enough for 1 pound of meat. I usually triple this recipe and keep it stored for use on anything from chicken drumsticks to sliced steak.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

3 Tbsp chopped garlic (about 2 cloves)

3 Tbsp soy sauce

2 Tbsp sugar

1 Tbsp honey

2 Tbsp fresh squeezed juice from an Asian pear

1 Tbsp Japanese rice wine (mirin)*

1 Tbsp sesame oil

3 green onions, finely chopped (including white part)

1 tsp pepper

Preparation:

1. Mix marinade together until sugar and honey are dissolved/distributed.

2. Can be stored in refrigerator or freezer for use on beef, pork, and chicken. (Serves 4)

*If you don't have access to the rice wine, a splash of dry white wine will also work here.